Whiting WMA Natural Resource Stewardship Plan

The natural resource stewardship plan for the 1206-acre Whiting WMA (Ocean County) has been under development for several years. The plan is to serve as a guide for resource management activities important to forest stewardship within the area.

The overall goals for forest management on state land are as follows:

Increase habitat for species of concern

Mimic natural disturbance regimes

Conserve ecological communities including critical habitats

Protect public safety through reduced wildlife hazard

Improve growth, vigor, health and function of forests

Manage for natural variability

Diversify stand ages to achieve a balance of young forest, middle aged and older growth condition

As part of the process of developing this plan, stakeholders who have insights about this area and interest in the management of state land were identified. Input from various stakeholders has been incorporated into the plan. Additional reviews and comments on the plan were welcomed during a 30-day comment period which opened March 12.